In a clip tweeted by Mark Berman, the Sports Director at Fox 26, Houston Astros star pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. displayed optimism about his return to the team's lineup despite the 2023 Opening Day setback.Apparently, the right-hander has a "small muscle strain" on his throwing forearm. However, his MRI showed no structural damage to his elbow but will delay his start."I still have a goal of having a relatively full season and when I do make it back I want to be a big-time contributor. I want to feel like myself," said Lance while remaining positive about his return.Mark Berman@MarkBermanFox26Lance McCullers Jr (@lmccullers43) says he doesn’t have a timeline for when he’ll return from the small muscle strain he suffered: “I still have a goal of having a relatively full season and when I do make it back I want to be a big-time contributor. I want to feel like myself.”899Lance McCullers Jr (@lmccullers43) says he doesn’t have a timeline for when he’ll return from the small muscle strain he suffered: “I still have a goal of having a relatively full season and when I do make it back I want to be a big-time contributor. I want to feel like myself.” https://t.co/GgnDoHwNLALast season, Lance faced a similar situation when he was sidelined for the first few months while recovering from a right flexor pronator strain.Hunter Brown is set to replace Lance McCullers Jr.Hunter Brown #58 of the Houston Astros delivers during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on September 05, 2022, in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Houston Astros pitcher Hunter Brown has been put forward as a replacement for injured pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. This could be the opportunity that Hunter was looking to prove himself.Brian McTaggart@brianmctaggartThe Astros, who lost Justin Verlander in free agency, will now lean into their starting pitching depth. Rotation right now is Valdez, Javier, Urquidy, Garcia and rookie Hunter Brown. twitter.com/brianmctaggart…Brian McTaggart@brianmctaggartMcCullers had an MRI last night and there's no structural damage to elbow. He said it was a small muscle strain. He hopes to rehab and be able to throw 150 innings this year, but he'll be shut down for a few weeks. twitter.com/brianmctaggart…21113McCullers had an MRI last night and there's no structural damage to elbow. He said it was a small muscle strain. He hopes to rehab and be able to throw 150 innings this year, but he'll be shut down for a few weeks. twitter.com/brianmctaggart…The Astros, who lost Justin Verlander in free agency, will now lean into their starting pitching depth. Rotation right now is Valdez, Javier, Urquidy, Garcia and rookie Hunter Brown. twitter.com/brianmctaggart…"The Astros, who lost Justin Verlander in free agency, will now lean into their starting pitching depth. Rotation right now is Valdez, Javier, Urquidy, Garcia and rookie Hunter Brown." - Brian McTaggartBrown made his MLB debut in September 2022 and pitched in seven games for the Astros in 2022.